Everett anticipates challenge — stopping Ferndale QB Locker

Published 11:14 pm Thursday, October 9, 2008

EVERETT — Stop Locker.

That’s been a familiar mission for foes of the Ferndale High School football team over the years. With former Golden Eagle star Jake Locker now at the University of Washington, the Locker currently leading the potent Ferndale team is Jake’s cousin Casey.

A senior quarterback, Casey Locker has guided unbeaten Ferndale to a 5-0 record and the No. 2 ranking in this week’s Associated Press Class 3A state poll. Locker and the Golden Eagles have outscored opponents 246-27.

Next up for Ferndale: The Everett Seagulls.

With a record of 4-1, Everett has also enjoyed an impressive start. But the Seagulls’ clash with Ferndale, set for 5 p.m. today at Everett Memorial Stadium, will be their biggest challenge yet.

“We’re going to really know where we stand … when we play them,” Everett senior Jake Frauenholtz said. “Hopefully we’ll shut down their high-powered offense.”

In its most recent game, a 42-6 victory over Squalicum (2-3), Ferndale scored touchdowns on its first six possessions.

“All-around there’s just not many weaknesses on their team,” Everett head coach Will Soren said. “They’ve got another Locker at quarterback and he will put the ball under his arm and run on any play, and he’s a great athlete.”

Ferndale has good offensive linemen, Soren said, who fuel a prolific Wing-T offense that amassed 326 rushing yards against Squalicum, according to the Bellingham Herald.

“That’s the best football team I’ve ever coached against,” Squalicum coach Reed Richardson told the Bellingham Herald. “They’re well-coached. They’re disciplined, and they’re fast.”

Everett has shown promise too. It has outscored opponents 148-50 and won its past three games (against Oak Harbor, Cascade and Lynnwood) by a combined score of 112-15. More than anything, the Seagulls want to use tonight’s non-conference battle to get better for important upcoming tests.

“They see the big picture, this group of players,” Soren said. “They know it’s a big game. They know all about the Lockers and the traditions up there and Ferndale High School and how good of a program that is.”

“They’re excited about it but they’re also keeping their head about it,” Soren added. “They know that we need to continue to improve to get up there and play a solid game with them.”

In the week of practices leading up to a game, teams emulate the upcoming opponent to get a feel for what it will be like Friday night. So which Everett player impersonated Ferndale’s Locker? It’s Spencer McKinnon, a sophomore backup QB who last week passed for two TDs and ran for one against Lynnwood.

Everett running back/linebacker David Andre said McKinnon is “a fast kid, a great athlete, and we think we’re getting a really good look from him.”

Now instead of defending an imitator, Everett will attempt to stop the real Locker.

Writer Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/heraldnet/doubleteam.